The Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Role of Republika Srpska
Public Event
Date and
Time
Thursday, February 4, 1999
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location
U.S. Institute of Peace
2nd Floor
Conference Room
1200 17th St, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Prime Minister Milorad Dodik of Republika Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina
discussed the political balance in the RS, the future of Brcko, and refugee
repatriation at a Current Issues Briefing on February 4, 1999. He emphasized that
pragmatic leadership is necessary to continue the progress begun by the Dayton Peace
Accords, and that while improvements have been made, many obstacles remain. There is
now greater cross-border movement of people within Bosnia and Herzegovina, and
multiethnic institutions have begun to grow. The international community, and
especially the United States, has made a tremendous contribution to securing a peace
agreement for Bosnia, and fostering the post-war development. Yet the Republika
Srpska remains in dire economic straits, and desperately needs a generous amount of
financial aid to pay the costs of refugee returns and facilitate the privatization of
the economy. Nevertheless, the pace of political and economic progress is slow, and
the legacy of conflict will take years to overcome. In this vein, PM Dodik stated his
opposition to the ultra-nationalist parties of Serbia and the local opposition he
faces from the President of the Republika Srpska.
Prime Minister Milorad Dodik
of Republika Srpska
Meanwhile, the return of refugees and displaced persons has been slow despite the
removal of political obstacles to their return. This is exacerbated by the logistical
problems of returning to one's previous home, and the social tensions still present
in some areas, most notably Brcko. Refugee returns to Brcko have been significant,
and plans are underway to demilitarize Brcko. In fact, PM Dodik suggested the need
for a permanent presence of foreign troops in Bosnia, and the need to establish links
with NATO through the Partnership for Peace. Thus, while acutely aware of the tenuous
political balance within the Republika Srpska and the region at large, PM Dodik is
hopeful that international support can bolster his administration and improve the
lives of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speakers
- Milorad Dodik
Prime Minister of Republika Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina
Media Inquiries
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the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
